Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is a serious crime because it puts public safety at risk. Unless the charge is a first offense, the consequences of a Drunk Driving conviction can be extreme.
A conviction for Driving While Intoxicated can net a lengthy jail sentence, and create financial difficulties in the form of administration fees, Texas Driver License surcharges, and fines. Your Texas Driver License will also be suspended for a period of time that’s based on the severity of the charge, but not to exceed 2 years.
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The Burden of Proof
Under current Texas DWI-related laws, it’s required for police to show proof that the defendant was driving while intoxicated and that the level of alcohol in their blood stream was 0.8 or even higher. Besides this scientific evidence, the law enforcement agency also has to show that defendant was physically impaired by drugs (DUI) or alcohol (DWI), depending on the charge.
When officers suspect a person is drunk driving and pulls them over, they’ll immediately begin to collect evidence to support their claim. They may have also observed your actions which include documenting whether you failed to stop at traffic lights, drove your vehicle radically, or engaged in other behavior common to drunk drivers.
What Are The Consequences for DWI in Texas?
Driving While Intoxicated is a Class B misdemeanor on the first offense. If convicted, the person may be sentenced to up to 180 days in jail, and/or be assessed a fine that can total up to $2,000.00. Listed below are a few situations which can turn a traditional DWI charge into a serious felony criminal offense.
- DWI w/Minor – you’re driving while you are drunk with an under age child in your vehicle. You can face up to 2 years in jail, and the fine may be as high as $10,000.00.
- DWI Assault – You hit someone while drunk. It’s considered as third degree felony, and you may have to face jail for up to 10 years, and a fine up to $10,000.00.
- DWI Manslaughter – If you kill someone while driving drunk it’s considered a second degree felony which carries a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years. The assessed fine can amount to up to $10,000.
Need Help?
CALL TAD NELSON at 281-280-0100.
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Why hire Houston DWI Lawyer Tad A. Nelson?
Texas has strict drunk driving laws and you won’t be able to easily put a DWI arrest behind you. If you don’t hire a professional DWI focused attorney as soon as possible you won’t have the best opportunity to avoid jail time and fines.
Houston DWI Lawyer Tad A. Nelson will ensure that your case is properly & professionally litigated and will also see to it that any evidence being used against you is scientifically analyzed. Attorney Nelson is Board Certified® in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, an ACS/CHAL Lawyer-Scientist, and formally recognized by SuperLawyers® among others. Attorney Tad Nelson is an effective defender of persons charged with Driving While Intoxicated and will fight for your rights.
There are many cases when the defendant was found not guilty because of a misunderstanding between the officer and the defendant. In other cases we’ve won, the success was due to an effective challenge to the evidence.
Need Help?
CALL TAD NELSON at 281-280-0100.
Beware of Non-DWI Criminal Lawyers
There is a possibility that your lawyer may miss some important details if he or she is inexperienced with DWI cases. These type of criminal cases are purely scientific in nature and are best fought by counsel with training in relevant lab arenas. With the potential implication of a criminal conviction in mind, you need to make sure your case is in the right hands. It’s critical that you seek a lawyer who can protect your rights and challenge all allegations made by law enforcement officers.
Waiting Will Increase Costs
An effective DWI defense attorney in Houston will become more costly after your case has reached the next level. It’s best to start working on your case the second you bond out of the Harris County Jail. This is best for you, the possibilities of success with your case, and your attorney.
If you’ve committed a serious crime like assault or manslaughter while you were drunk, the Harris County District Attorney’s will devote more hours to find ways to strengthen their case against you.
If this happens, you’ll need the skill and experience of Tad Nelson, or another equally qualified Drunk Driving attorney in Houston. With experienced legal representation, you’ll have the best chance at beating the charge or avoiding the worst of sentencing.
If you need our help, click here to message us, or call 281-280-0100 for immediate attention.
The Importance of a DWI Focused Attorney
Houston DWI Lawyer Tad A. Nelson
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